Live Long and Prosper

Chapter 3: Seek Out New Worlds

Winston-Winslow. Thursday, May 15, 2009.

When Peter arrived at Neal's office, he was on the phone, but he gestured for Peter to go ahead and take a seat. It sounded like Neal was talking with John Hobhouse. The flood of decrypted data continued to pour in from Langton's computer. The previous evening, Jones had headed to Providence where he participated in the search of the pair's townhouse.

Neal looked up after ending the call. "One of Tulane's primary buyers has already folded," he told Peter. "In his possession were the two gems from Paris. John hopes to have secured the Habsburg emerald by the end of the day. The gemcutter is also cooperating."

Peter chuckled. "For a case that appeared to be stuck on the slow track, it jumped into warp 9 at the end."

"Well put," Neal said, looking surprisingly thoughtful.

"I wish we could lay our hands on Keller as well."

Neal shrugged. "Something tells me he may have finally wised up. Who knows? He might have even decided to adopt a new lifestyle. I'm not worried. If he should resurface, he doesn't stand a chance against us."

Peter was pleasantly surprised at Neal's calmness. Keller used to get under his skin like no one else. Hopefully, that was no longer true. In any case, Keller was the Bureau and Interpol's problem, not theirs. "So are you making a red diamond origami for your milestones box?"

"Already made," Neal said smugly.

"Now that Tulane and Langton are captured, you only have to focus on the convocation ceremony and celebration."

"About that ..." Neal stopped, his expression turning unexpectedly flustered. "I thought I was ready."

"And you are," Peter quickly assured him. "Hobhouse can't wait to add PhD to your name. Didn't you tell me he wants you to join Klaus and Marcel on visits to the other art crime units?"

"Yeah, but ..."

"No buts," Peter said firmly. "Sure it's a little scary leaving student status. I remember how I felt." He was surprised, though, that Neal was bothered by it. His student status had always been part-time. "The classes you'll teach will be very similar to the workshops you've been giving for the past few years, only now you won't have to worry about Myra Stockman trying to stump you with tough questions."

Neal broke into a laugh. "I wouldn't be surprised if she still drops in occasionally for old times' sake."

"And how cool is it to be an artist-in-residence!" Neal's paintings had already been selling well at the art gallery owned by Myra's partner. "You're living proof that there is a path to success for new artists." Peter stopped to give an exaggerated frown. "Don't tell me you're fretting over Diana's teases about having a doctor in the house?"

"Hardly! I have some zingers of my own to toss back at her. It's not that." He took a slow breath. "This isn't like five years ago when I was studying for the entrance exams at Columbia. Now I freely acknowledge I'm in over my head." He swallowed, his nervousness even more evident. "Reality woke me up at two o'clock this morning and smacked me in the face. I hope your schedule isn't too booked because I'm going to need so many boot camps."

"On what subject?" Peter asked, not having a clue about why Neal had twisted himself into knots.

"Fatherhood, in a word. We're pregnant!"

Peter laughed aloud. "Congratulations!"

Neal grinned sheepishly. "Thanks! Sara found out yesterday. We should probably wait to say anything, but we're both so flummoxed, that may be hard to do."

"This wasn't planned?" Peter ventured.

"No, it was. We just didn't expect it would happen so quickly. We've joked about kids for months. And then in Paris ..." He shrugged happily. "It's hard to find a more romantic spot."

"You mean you and Sara decided that the perfect moment to start a family was while you were running multiple cons?"

"We both kept telling ourselves that we wouldn't let our work put our lives on hold," Neal said, an undertone of defensiveness in his voice. "We decided Paris was the appropriate launching point but we didn't expect to achieve immediate success."

"Well, you two always were over-achievers," Peter couldn't resist pointing out.

Neal rolled his eyes, his face a mixture of excitement, nervousness, and happiness.

"How's Sara?"

"Ecstatic ... and overwhelmed as well. She's probably with El right now, signing up for motherhood boot camp. Have I mentioned how glad we are that you live close by? You saved my butt five years ago on those Columbia entrance exams. I'm going to need another miracle save."

"Nonsense. You'll be great."

Neal shook his head. "Ask anyone. They'll all tell you I excel at being a kid. You're the natural-born father."

"I repeat, with a little coaching, you and Sara will be wonderful parents. That's one lucky child to have you as parents. And yes, Danny, El, and I are happy to hold as many boot camps as you need."

"You don't know how reassured I am to hear that." Neal paused and made a face. "I hope this doesn't kill the deal, but in fairness, I should warn you."

"About what?"

"Sara and I may not be the only ones attending the camp. Did you hear that Eric's sister Carmen offered to be a surrogate for him and Henry?"

"Henry told me in Paris. Have they decided what to do?"

"Last week they decided to take her up on it."

"In other words, you may all become parents at the same time?"

Neal shrugged, his eyes sparkling. "Henry never could resist tossing in a few extra complications."

* * * * * * * * * *

Notes: I posted this story on October 23, 2024, fifteen years after the premiere of White Collar. Happy Anniversary, White Collar!

This date is also personally significant. Ten years ago, I posted Complications, my first Caffrey Conversation story. Since then I've had the thrill of assisting Penna Nomen in chronicling Neal's adventures for her marvelous series. My heartfelt thanks to all of you who accompanied me on this journey. Your comments and participation have meant the world to me!

In Complications, Neal applied for admission at Columbia University. My initial stretch goal was to continue writing till Neal received his diploma, but I didn't realize he'd later complicate matters by going for a PhD and participating in two spin-off series. The crystal ball is murky on whether I'll write additional Caffrey Conversation stories but I plan to continue writing Crossed Lines and Arkham Files. Penna has started to collect ideas for the Caffrey Conversation series finale.

In the meantime, I'll be back in December with a Crossed Lines holiday story that takes place in December 2007—a few months after my story Vermeer Interrupted. Penna is writing a story called Overcomplications that is set around Thanksgiving 2007 and hopes to publish it before the end of the year.